Winch options.

[Matt2036]

Hi all, I have owned my JL two-door sport for just four weeks now, but I’ve been off Road with her three times already. My only options on the truck are 4.10 rear gears and the 2 L engine, I ended up putting 33’s on her but I’m still stock height. Anyways my question is I really like the look of the jeep, and I am not fond of any of the designs of the aftermarket bumpers that winches can be mounted to. I’m also not a fan of spending $1000 on a Rubicon steel bumper. So my question is are there any alternatives to mounting a winch for four wheeling on your own? I’m scared to go out on my own without a winch, thoughts? Pics for attention.

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[Steveo]

Sounds to me like you've eliminated your only two options for mounting a winch. I think your only other option is to get a come-along and that sounds like a lot of work!

Edit: Last I heard AEV is coming out with some bumpers that look OE but I very much doubt they'll be much (if any) cheaper than the OE steel bumper.

https://www.aev-conversions.com/aev-releases-jl-colorado-products-sema-2018/

 

[robaw]

I've seen winch mounting plates that can be installed into a hitch receiver. Definitely not ideal but might be OK in some scenarios.

 

[roaniecowpony]

A Bush winch costs about $500 and bolts to your wheel. Power from your vehicle turns the pulley and winds the rope. If that's too much to spend, find an old wheel with the same bolt pattern and make some spacer/nuts to bolt it to your wheel. If you know a good machinist, you could make one for next to nothing.

 

[PhoenixJLUR]

How about just starting with a winch mounting plate made for the JL. I have Mopar’s winch plate, it was pricey but my only option at the time. Many aftermarket (and cheaper) options are available now. After that I’m sure you could modify your stock bumper with some careful trimming to tuck a winch in there. The JK guys did it all the time.

 

[MedicalCowboy]

I’d recommend a hand winch. I keep one with my rigging just in case. You never know when you might need to winch from the side or the back.

 

[roaniecowpony]

 

[EODMSgt]

As robaw said, there are receiver hitch options out there. I know several people that used the Warn models with no issues. As in your case, they did not want to put winch bumpers on so they used the hitch mount. It also allowed them to use the winch on multiple vehicles. A come-a-long is a great tool and I remember using a hi-lift jack with straps to pull myself out back in the mid-eighties before I purchased a winch.

 

[Maverick909]

to be honest i have the rampage front bumper and it was super cheap. and on there site is was on sale for 254 if i remember right. quadra tech has it for 274 with free shipping too heres the link https://www.rampageproducts.com/rampage-99306-rock-rage-bumpers. it list as its for a jk and jl. ill tell you it fit my JLU 18 sport. its a great bumper. made with 3/16 steel plate and setup for a 10K winch.


edit: added a pic with the bumper on my jeep i need to get a winch ordered when i get more spare cash saved up!

 

[Dagwood]

That'll make a winch bumper look much better.

 

[Matt2036]

Sounds to me like you've eliminated your only two options for mounting a winch. I think your only other option is to get a come-along and that sounds like a lot of work!

Edit: Last I heard AEV is coming out with some bumpers that look OE but I very much doubt they'll be much (if any) cheaper than the OE steel bumper.

https://www.aev-conversions.com/aev-releases-jl-colorado-products-sema-2018/

Wow. Those look amazing!

 

[Matt2036]

I’d recommend a hand winch. I keep one with my rigging just in case. You never know when you might need to winch from the side or the back.

Any particular model or style you recommend?

 

[MedicalCowboy]

Any particular model or style you recommend?

I got mine from tractor supply. Just get one that’s a weight rating that you’re happy with, and while you’re at it go ahead and grab you a snatch block.

 

[Tritonman]

At the risk of insulting your intelligence. I highly recommend you educate yourself first on the various recovery methods. Make sure your know what you are getting yourself into.

Also, NEVER offroad alone. That is the #1 thing you dont do. You could snap a line and injure yourself and leave yourself stranded. You could be so stuck beyond the levels of single recovery that could leave you stranded. I could go on and on with the negatives of being alone.

 

[TonyM]

to be honest i have the rampage front bumper and it was super cheap. and on there site is was on sale for 254 if i remember right. quadra tech has it for 274 with free shipping too heres the link https://www.rampageproducts.com/rampage-99306-rock-rage-bumpers. it list as its for a jk and jl. ill tell you it fit my JLU 18 sport. its a great bumper. made with 3/16 steel plate and setup for a 10K winch.


edit: added a pic with the bumper on my jeep i need to get a winch ordered when i get more spare cash saved up!

That is a nice bumper. I wonder if the led fog lights would fit in the bumper?

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